The term, "Voodoo", often conjures up images of sinister black magic such as sorcery and pins on dolls. The religion of Voodoo, is native to the African region and is rich with history and followers dating back to thousands of years. Voodoo was introduced to Haiti by West African tribal members, who were brought to Haiti as slaves. Haitians of varied sects evolved voodoo into what they called, "Vodou."
Voodoo in West Africa
The most important feature of the Voodoo culture of the tribes of West Africa is worshiping of ancestors. Deceased ancestors were supposed to guide and guard the living family members. Tribal sect, Fons, of the region Dahomey believed in immortal spirits called Vodu. These are ancestors who've evolved into a higher state of existence after their death.
Haitian Vodou
Voodoo is referred to as "Vodou" in Haiti. It was developed by Haitians - from the rituals and tribal practices of the natives of West Africa. The tribes Fon and Yoruba had the greatest influence on Vodou. Vodou developed between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Under the law of those times, the African slaves were required to convert to Catholicism - so the Haitians practiced Vodou in secrecy. They practiced Catholicism on the outside, but kept their traditions alive without anyone's knowledge.
Fundamental Elements of West African Voodoo also in Haitian Vodou
Since the spirit reverence was an important feature of the West African voodoo religion, there had to be rituals to facilitate the communication between the physical and non-physical worlds. Some of the rituals followed are:
- Dancing, drumming and chanting to communicate with the deceased ancestors or spirits
- Animal sacrifices
- Priest or priestess who interpreted messages from the other world
- Participants of the ritual being possessed by spirits
Some Characteristics of Vodou
Vodou is a unique religion unlike any other in modern society.
- In Vodou, the old African spirits are called Rada. Rada originated in the Haitian homeland, stands for stability and tradition.
- Spirits are honored and served, but not worshiped as gods, because Haitians believe in only one God.
- Rada is an important feature of the Haitian Vodou, characterized by special drums, chants and clothing.
- A mythical homeland called Ginen was invented by the Haitian Vodou practitioners to replace their lost homeland.
- Zemi are stones or inanimate objects that are believed to have magical powers
Voodoo is not about mere curses or zombies as most people might have inferred from Hollywood influences. Its a complex religion of spells and worship, of veneration and service of ancestors, of complex rituals that are supposed to bring good fortune to those who practice it. The religion has survived the era of slavery and is as alive in the western world as it was in its African home.
Vodou represents the triumph of the human spirit, and defiance against oppression and slavery.
Related Reading
Readers may also enjoy Voodoo in New Orleans - Origin and Beliefs and What Constitutes New Age?
Source
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Voodoo, Shannon R.Turlington
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